Newcastle sign Wijnaldum

Newcastle United have completed their first signing of the summer with the acquisition of Georginio Wijnaldum, the Netherlands midfielder, from PSV Eindhoven.

The 24-year-old has moved to St. James' Park on a five-year deal to become Steve McClaren's first recruit as head coach of the Magpies.

Although they have not disclosed the fee, the club have revealed that the deal for Wijnaldum represents the third-highest transfer fee in the club's history, after Michael Owen and Alan Shearer.

"I'm delighted to be a Newcastle United player," Wijnaldum told www.nufc.co.uk. "I felt the time was right for me to move and the club have shown they really want me, so I'm very happy to be here.

"There's a few players here who are from Holland – I know them well and they will help me feel at home in Newcastle."

Wijnaldum began his career with local side Sparta Rotterdam, where he spent seven seasons before joining neighbouring Feyenoord, making his first-team debut at the age of 16, and playing 134 times in five seasons at De Kuip.

The 19-times capped Netherlands midfielder made the switch to rivals PSV, where he scored 56 goals in 152 appearances, and captained the side to the Eredivisie title last season, when he was also crowned Dutch Footballer of the Year.

"This signing is a real statement for the club," said McClaren. "It is a big transfer for a very good player and I am delighted to have Gini here at the club.

"He has lots of energy and a great tempo to his game. He is very skilful but is also capable of playing box-to-box, and, importantly, he can score goals.

"He is at the right age and the right fit for Newcastle. He is a leader as well and you will see that. He is someone who always wants the ball, can deal with it, and we need that kind of character in the team."

Wijnaldum becomes the fifth Dutch international in McClaren's squad alongside Tim Krul, Daryl Janmaat, Vurnon Anita and Siem de Jong, and will hope to make his debut for his new side when they open their Barclays Premier League campaign against Southampton at 1.30pm on Sunday, 9 August.

Source: premierleague.com